New citizens take the oath and prepare to enrich city's culture

By
ALEXANDRA KING

John Davis welcomed eight adults and a number of children as Australia’s newest citizens

WARM WELCOME: Elisaphina Chinherende, of Zimbabwe, tries the mayoral chains on for size with the help of mayor John Davis at Orange’s citizenship ceremony on Wednesday.
Photo: STEVE GOSCH 0521sgcitizen1

ORANGE mayor John Davis welcomed eight adults and a number of children as Australia’s newest citizens at a ceremony at the Orange council chambers on Wednesday.

Citizens from Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, Sudan, Scotland, Germany, Philippines, Romania and India made their oaths of allegiance at the third ceremony in Orange this year.

Forty-one Orange residents have become citizens in 2014, and Cr Davis said he was happy Orange’s culture was becoming more diverse and richer.

“Many years ago the census statistics pointed to Orange being a very mono-cultural regional city, but I’m pleased to say that’s changed,” Cr Davis said.

“It’s tremendous to be there as our newest citizens take their oath of allegiance.”

Alongside Cr Davis, councillors Chris Gryllis and Ron Gander and state member Andrew Gee were part of the event, and Cr Gryllis told the group how he came from overseas to live in Australia and has served on the city council for many years.

Cr Davis said he was sure the new citizens would make a major contribution to the Orange community, and said he hoped some would even serve on the council.

“It’s good that the ceremony affirms the journey and the culture that’s brought them to this point, and then also lets them make a commitment to being a valued part of the Australian community,” he said.